Boston Celtics forward Danilo Gallinari leaves FIBA World Cup qualifying game with knee injury

Italy forward Danilo Gallinari left a FIBA World Cup qualifying game on Saturday because of a left knee injury.

The Boston Celtics veteran grabbed the knee after a bounce pass in the lane during the game against Georgia in Brescia, Italy. While play continued, he hobbled over to the sideline, holding the back of the knee as trainers rushed to his aid. He limped off to the locker room with the help of a staff member and a teammate.

Italy won the game 91-84. Gallinari had 17 points, four rebounds and an assist in the victory.

Gallinari, 34, signed with the Celtics as a free agent through a mid-level exception and will be counted on for depth as Boston looks to return to the NBA Finals.

Spending the past two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Gallinari's scoring average dipped from 13.3 points to 11.7 points, though he has been a durable player for five teams across his 12-year NBA career.

A first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks in 2008, Gallinari has also played for the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder.